The Road to Shalom

     There's been a lot of taking, writing, and shouting about the "right side" and "wrong side" of history, and which "side" you should be on. It strikes me a bit odd that many believers have accepted this false idea of history and who controls it. People believe that history has an arc, and that it can be bent by the efforts of humanity.      History does in fact have an arc, but I'm afraid the believing community has fallen prey to error because we've lost our ability to truly "tell time." In this final episode of 2021, we're going on a provocative journey into the two "time zones" of the Bible with the goal of getting our watches set right.

     Do you see yourself as a "peace-maker" or a "peace-keeper"? What difference would it make if you got this right? Or wrong? In any worldview that believes peace-keeping should be the priority, change is viewed with suspicion. Even change in the right direction. Threats to our personal peace and way of life—if uniformed by the purposes of God—result in us fighting for what's important to us, rather than what matters most to God.     In this sixth and final interview with shalom-makers, Fran interviews his oldest son Ben, a veteran in peace-making in his own right. Ben's twenty years in urban space has convinced him that peace-making is often ignored or neglected by believers, not because it's wrong, but because it's difficult.     You'll be nudged out of your comfort zone, but generously wooed into the circumference of truth is this interview.

     Shalom is the "way things are supposed to be"…everywhere…among everyone…all the time. It's absence is what's wrong with the world. But because the whole idea of shalom is foreign to us as believers, we don't naturally ask life questions within its frame of reference.     For example, do you think there are places where it's "more absent" than in other places? Or more absent among some people groups than others? How old should you be before you can understand shalom for yourself? Is there a difference between a road of shalom and the road to shalom?     Veteran urban worker, history teacher, youth pastor and husband and father, Clint Cvacho helps us get answers to all of the above. In this fifth interview with shalom-restorers you'll be challenged to revise some of your preconceptions about people, place, and purpose

     One of the things I've come to realize, after 51 years on the "Jesus Road," is that the Bible is new every morning. It's an example of a not so famous saying by Buddy Hinton in Kee Sloan's book, Jabbok: "The more I learn this, the truer it gets." In an age of glance, swipe and poke, hearing or reading something more than once is actually a good thing…because it's also a God thing.     With that intro, I want to tell/alert you to the fact that this episode is the only interview I ever did on the Road to Shalom...nearly 3 years ago. But, it fits so well in the current series it's worth enjoying again…or for the first time.     Join me in the living room of Dave Adkison, one of my best friends who also happens to be a world-class surgeon and a man who listens, touches, and heals...all of which are shalomic activities.

     If  one of your older Bibles has maps in the back, you'll notice that this image doesn't match the Dead Sea in your Bible. That's because the water from the Jordan River is being syphoned off for irrigation before it reaches the Dead Sea. And as a result, Dead Sea is becoming "deader" for lack of water. It's become two separate bodies of water, one of which is disappearing.     In this third shalom-makers interview, you'll meet a longtime friend of Hands of Hur and our family. Matt Letourneau has done more with his life in four decades than some do in a lifetime. He's an artesian well of innovation, vision and a passion for the gospel. Currently he's the CEO of NeverThirst, a ministry committed to bringing Living Water and clean water to the nearly 800 million people who need both. Now that's about as shalomic as it gets.     Come with me on a journey that begins in the American Southeast and extends to Africa and Asia, and has all the evidence of God's anointing and the power of His presence.

     In this second interview with shalom-makers—men and women who see themselves as agents of shalom because they're beneficiaries of grace—Fran introduces  Sarah Jackson. The product of a turbulent childhood in a loving home, she found herself being drawn to those we have marginalized, even forgotten, in our ceaseless pursuit of the next new thing. Sarah is a hospice nurse.     Even though for most of us, pursuing Sarah's shalomic passion is unlikely, I promise you'll discover that the implications from this provocative interview will motivate you to say or do something for someone that you've known for a long time is overdue.

     This is the first of a series of interviews with shalom-makers who've learned to live on the flip-side because they understand the front-side of theology. Tracy Hipps' childhood was horrific and traumatic. Yet, he discovered that his own pain made him empathetic rather than merely pathetic and angry. He found his greatest joy in giving away rather than getting even.     You'll find hope and encouragement for your own life by paying attention to the obvious healing and good fruit that comes from pursuing shalom for others' lives rather than lamenting or focusing on its absence in your own.

     You've probably heard  a Christian described as someone who's "going to heaven when they die," because they "invited Jesus into their hearts." It's a pleasant thought. But, it's also incorrect. It reduces salvation and faith to two points on a line, one at the beginning and one at the end. Unfortunately, it leaves out the  line itself! A person's entire life on earth.     What happens during that "in between" time is important to God. In fact, He has a plan to make us less like Adam and more like Jesus. We call it sanctification. That's what God wants to do. Have you ever wondered why? What's the point?     In this fifth and final installment of Fran's "Four Dimensional Theology" series, he pushes out the boundaries of our own transformation and leads us back to the purposes of God for the world and His own glory.

Why do you think Yeshua spoke about "doing" righteousness? Why did the prophet Amos talk about righteousness rolling down like "an ever-flowing stream"? Why would Paul tell a young pastor, a beneficiary of Christ's righteousness, to "pursue righteousness," and that the Scriptures are "profitable for...training in righteousness"?     Maybe it's time that we mature beyond our one and two-dimensional views of righteousness—the ones that bend us towards self-righteousness, and examine the relationship between righteousness and shalom. This episode will be a great beginning on that wonderful journey.

     There's an unspoken question staring us right in the face on at least thirteen pages of our Bible. Why do you think the Apostle Paul opened each of his letters with a sort of a Hebrew blessing, “grace to you and peace from God our Father…”? Why would Paul ask God to give his listeners two things they already had?— “Grace” from God, and “peace” with God? In particular, what could possibly prompt Paul to pray that God would multiply grace to sinners already justified by grace?     Maybe at least part of what makes grace so "amazing," are the other dimensions of it that for the most part, we're oblivious to. This third episode in the "flip side" of Story words turns our favorite word, "grace" over to discover some unknown things about it that truly are amazing. And guess what? You're one of them!__________________________________________________Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

     The "Peace Movement"—if there really is such a thing—did not originate with the Sixties youth culture. It's as old as the heart of God Himself. In fact, it's at the very center of His purposes. That means "peace" is an enormous word in the One Story of the One God.          Paul used the word over forty times in his letters. He wrote the Greek word for peace, eirēnē, but his mind was marinating in something more ancient. Something with a couple thousand years of meaning behind it. Paul was thinking, “shalom,” one of the most beautiful words in all of Hebrew. A word that refers to everything flourishing as it was originally created to do.     Unfortunately, for most of us, when we read about the "peace of God" in the Bible, our minds run quickly to the personal benefits of God's peace for us as individuals. But, just like the Story word, "sin" we looked at in the last episode, the Story word, "peace" also has multiple dimensions to it. And, the majority of them involve us. Yet, not as beneficiaries of shalom, but as it agents.____________________________________________Photo by Vasilios Muselimis on Unsplash

     Do you know who's image is on the front of a $100 bill? Lots of folks do. How about the back? You probably didn't do as well on that one. It's odd, because the back of the $100 bill is more colorful and the numbers are bigger. So, why don't we know? Most likely because we're comfortable knowing just the front.     For many of us in the faith community—perhaps most—we tend to take the same approach to our understanding of faith and its practice. We end up trying to make a 2-dimensional faith provide understanding and meaning in a 3-dimensional world.     In this episode, building on the One Story idea of the previous episodes, Fran Sciacca contends that we need to reexamine our understanding of some of the key "Story words" that our faith is built upon. In this first of a series, Fran takes to the flip-side of our word, "sin," in an attempt to help us better understand the One Story of the One God, and our role in it._________________________________________________Link to resource: "What's Wrong With the World?" is here.Photo by João Marinho on Unsplash_________________________________________________

     When it comes to the One Story of the One God, unfortunately, many believers have their bookmark stuck in the wrong place. They've know some of the Story, but not the whole Story. And as a result, there are counterfeit stories that captivate some of us.     Drawing on his metaphor of a Five Act Play from the previous two episodes, Fran explores what happens when we get stuck at the wrong spot in God's Story, and lose track of why we're still here, even though our eternal destiny is secure. What does God want us to do while we wait for the return of Jesus, anyway? Is He pleased that we spend our money, time, and resources in fellowship with one another, worshipping the One who redeemed us?     What if there was  one thing we can do now, but can't do in eternity? And what if this "one thing" is the "very thing" that explains our presence on earth? The larger world has adopted a Choose Your Own Adventure approach to life. Deciding what's important, and then finding the most efficient and rapid way to get there.      Are there "Christian Editions" of the Choose Your Own Adventure model of living? Fran thinks so, and exposes what they look like. Are they really an option for a follower of Jesus in the 21st century? And most of all, are they suitable for traveling the Road to Shalom.     Fran tackles all of this in this third and final installment of his One Story series. You'll want to listen to this one more than once...and very likely return to the previous two episodes as well._______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video curriculum"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)___________________________________________Photo by Emily Rudolph on Unsplash

     If someone were to ask you, "What is the Bible?" How would you respond? Would you say, "It's the Word of God"? What if they asked you another question, like, "About what?" What would you say then?     Our perspective on the Bible not only determines what we think about it. It dictates what we do with it, and why. Is the Bible really an anthology of books and letters? Or is it a textbook of sorts, with answers to all life's conudrums? The source of a distinctly "Christian worldview"? Or perhaps it's a handbook, a sort of "disciplopedia" on how to live "the Christian life"?     What if it's all of this, but much more? And, what if the "much more" has a claim on your life on one hand, and is the very thing you were made for on the other? In this episode, Fran Sciacca takes us on a journey into the One Story of the One God, with a particular focus on how getting this right can shape our lives, and getting it wrong can make people hate God._______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)___________________________________________Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

     The people of God have had a perennial problem trying to discover a sense of identity within the cultures they have found themselves throughout history. They have, in the words of Fran Sciacca, often "resembled a cast of characters in search of a plot." And when the road in search of a plot ran dry, more often than not, they settled for an agenda rather than a plot. Or worse, chose a plot that served their own purposes.     In this premier episode for 2021, Fran suggests that American evangelicalism has become more of a nursery of infants living on milk, than a group of mature Christ followers. His solution? To rediscover the One Story of the One God...and to truly know it, personally and corporately._______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

     There's so much happening so fast, in so many places, to so many people it seems like the world's coming to an end. People of faith have always wondered if their generation would be the one that witnessed the return of Christ. There's nothing new about asking that question.     In this episode, Fran walks us into this question through what he calls, "the side door." Instead of the “ front door” of world events, world leaders, and world economies, Fran explores what the Bible says will characterize Christians in the "last days," rather than what will characterize the world.     You won't be surprised at where this podcast ends, but hopefully you'll be challenged and perhaps even changed...even if just a little...on the journey.

     When you hear the word, “gospel,” do you think immediately of evangelism? If someone asked you, “What is the gospel?” would your answer have to do with personal salvation, or something bigger? Is there a relationship between the gospel and justice? What's the difference between systematic theology and biblical theology? What do all these things have to do with you? Well…if you want your gospel to be the whole gospel, you might have to find first if it's the hole gospel._______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

     What do fasting, pasta, Alexander the Great, and abortion have in common? You might be surprised. In this provocative episode, Fran lays bare the words that we as evangelicals either misunderstand or are misusing to describe ourselves. And in so doing, he exposes some tender areas of neglect when it comes to the part we're supposed to play in restoring shalom._______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

     Fifty years ago, Richard Bolles wrote a book designed to help people find their way into the world of work. It was called, What Color is Your Parachute? The book has sold over 10 million copies in 22 languages. And...it has been updated 48 times since. Once each year, since 1975. Finding a career in a changing world apparently is a challenge.     Unfortunately, many people seem to find themselves in the same dilemma regarding their own sense of identity. It has become accessorized. Something that has to be "updated" frequently, to fit what everyone else is saying about themselves.     But what if what works for your "parachute" doesn't work in the world of personal identity? What if who I am isn't supposed to change? What if knowing who I am is supposed shape the "color of my parachute"?     Playing off of Bolles' book title, Fran Sciacca takes us on a deep dive into the world of personal identity and the role it plays (or is supposed to play) in the life of a Christ-follower, in an era of racial tension and political confusion._______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

Did you know Elijah was facing a pandemic…of sorts? Did you know that Elijah quarantined himself after he spent some time under the zoom tree?** During these “unprecedented” times, there's a word for us from our ancient past. I don't think God wants us to miss the point, at just the time when He's trying to make one. Life will be different after the pandemic. Will we? Will you? We don't have to social distance with God. He's not sick, and what we have, He can't catch.**(the name of the actual tree Elijah was under began with a consonant from the other end of the alphabet. All appearances of being clever in this episode title are purely intentional.)_______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

     As the Sixties were winding down, hopes were ramping up. This, after all, was "the age of Aquarius." In the words of The Fifth Dimension, "harmony and understanding, sympathy and trust abounding, no more falsehoods or derisions, mystic crystal revelations and the mind's true liberation." Surely the best days were ahead! Woodstock was proof.     Yet, five years later they were singing, "ashes to ashes, dust to dust, we'll never be the same, we're all forgiven because we're only living to leave the way we came." What happened? In the words of Annie Gottlieb, "'No!' can be shouted from a million throats, but 'yes' has to be said face-to-face, in response to love or reason." We were good at saying 'No!' but had no idea the cost of saying 'yes.' To be a part of rebuilding what we had torn down.     The collapse of the Sixties ideology is a vital piece of the puzzle we're building in this series to understand how and when we wandered off the Road to Shalom._______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

In his classic work, Modern Times, historian Paul Johnson titled his chapter on the  Sixties, “America's Suicide Attempt.” He  saw that decade as a near implosion of American culture, due partly to a war between the generations.In this second episode of Fran's new series, “There And Back Again: A Hippie's Tale,” he paints a vivid family portrait of Middle America after it had enjoyed its vacation from war during the Eisenhower era of the Fifties. James Dean's classic film title, “Rebel Without a Cause” seemed to have expired by the end of the Sixties as America found that it was at war with itself. And the Church, it seemed, was more bound to the flag than the Cross._______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

       In Fran's new series, There And Back Again - A Hippies' Tale, we'll be flying at 50,000 feet over the past half century of American culture, attempting to sleuth our way into a better understanding of how we've arrived at our moment in history—as a nation and as Christians. Drawing from his past research as well as his own anecdotal memory, in this first episode, Fran will connect you to what it was like, living as he puts it, "within the circumference of the hulu-hoop and beneath the shadow of the Bomb” — life in the Fifties.       Why spend time looking back 50 years? Because in order to live life forward, you have to always be looking backward. In our always-on, Instagram-Instapot culture, we're forced to always be looking forward because we're driving at broadband speed, and thinking isn't encouraged.       So...push back a little...put your feet up and take time to be nostalgic. You might just discover that who you are is more of a composite of the past than you think._______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

     Identity theft is an enormous issue in the modern age. All of us know at least one person who's been affected by it. It's insidious because it violates our privacy and our security. We go to great means to prevent others from stealing what rightfully belongs to us — our unique identity. Did you know that's happening to us as believers too? We have lost our unique identity as Christ-followers. But, the tragedy in this case, is that it wasn't a theft. It was a gift. We've simply given it away in exchange for our own security and safety. Sort of like what Esau did with his birthright...for a bowl of soup!     In this premier episode of Season 2, Fran walks us back into the mist of biblical obscurity one more time, to examine the life of a converted Philistine who got this identity thing right in his day. Let's go learn a thing or two from a guy named Ittai._______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

     Agur? Who in the world is Agur? Well, don't feel bad if you don't already know. But also, don't think because you don't know him, that you shouldn't, either. In fact, you'll be grateful to discover who he is, and just maybe, you'll want to be a little more like him.     In this episode, "What do you think Agur would want for  Christmas?", obscurity will be swallowed up by profundity. Or put another way, a guy you didn't know, will help you find out some other things you didn't know. Just so ya know..._______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

     In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. But, it wasn't until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.     So, this Thursday, most Americans will continue that tradition…namely of setting aside a single day in the year to be thankful. But did you know that God has a lot to say about this whole idea of thanksgiving? In fact, His thoughts regarding what thanksgiving is, and why it's important might surprise you. One thing's for sure, though…they will challenge you! Have a blessed holiday season, and perhaps one that is just a little more informed as well._______________________________________OTHER  RESOURCES BY FRAN SCIACCA:"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

     The environment and everything about it has been politicized, even weaponized. Young people are angry and confused over a planet full of adults who can't seem to agree on things that will outlive them, but could threaten the generations that follow. And, true to form, God's covenant people seem to have come late to the party. In this episode, Fran reaches back to his own past as an environment chemist working of the Clean Water Act in the early 70's, and back even further to the patron saint of the environment—St. Francis of Assisi. And of all roads to travel, Fran's chosen to use a hymn of the saint that you've sung, but probably didn't know Saint Francis wrote it 800 years ago!     Let a brother in the Lord who's in the "cloud of witnesses" now have a word with you via the universal language of music. Let's go study, "All Creatures of Our God and King."______________________________________**the article Fran cites in this episode is here**the movie that Fran refers to, "Brother Son, Sister Moon," is here.__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

     Mention the word, "Sodom," or her twin, "Gomorrah," and the imaginations of religious people are in hyper-drive...much of it headed in in only one direction. If someone were to ask you what's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word, "Sodom," what would it be? In this powerful episode, Fran suggests that many peoples' standard answer is a "heresy."__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

It seems a little odd that God asks for a portion of our wealth, our possessions, our time, and even our whole bodies, don't you think? I mean, what does he plan to do with all this stuff? Is he a hoarder on a grand scale? Well, I'm sure you already know that he's not, but you still need an answer to the question of what he plans to do with whatever it is we give him. A dead saint has a few clues that she wants to share...__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

In the comedy, My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding, Gus Portokalos, father of the bride, boasted, "Give me a word. Any word. And I show you that the meaning of that word...it is Greek!" When it comes to staying the course on the road to shalom, there are three Greek words that are essential. Fran takes us on a journey to understand what they are and why they are vital.__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

Yosef was an ordinary man living in an unimpressive village. In fact, some thought no one from his hometown could ever achieve anything in life. Turns out they were wrong. As wrong as anyone has ever been about anything. The whole world knows about Yosef's village. But…not much about Yosef. Come spend a half hour learning about this shalomic man. He has much to teach you.__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

Everyone's looking for the "perfect" job. A career that will provide tremendous purpose and a sense of individuality that gives meaning to their daily lives. This episode takes you into the life of one who had the perfect job, because of who he was. You know him. You just haven't realized it yet. It'll also give you a little brush-up on some junior high grammar.__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

Life is difficult. Sometimes almost unbearable. What should be the relationship between my circumstances and my soul? Would you write a hymn if you lost your financial resources, two sons, and four daughters? Horatio Spafford did. And then spent the rest of his life helping the poor in a malaria-infested part of Jerusalem. Find out how in this episode.__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

We all intuitively know things aren't right around us. Sometimes, in exasperation, we blurt out, "What's wrong with this world?!!" Well, this is one of those times when it's okay to blame our parents. We're going right to the mother lode when it comes to finding an answer to that question orbiting in our hearts. You might be surprised though, when you discover who's to blame.__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

Did you know that for followers of Jesus, there's something worse than racism? It's gracism? Do you know what it is? Do you know why it's so bad? Do you wonder if it might have crept into your life? You'll get all those questions answered in this episode of "The Road to Shalom."__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

Let's face it, American Evangelicalism is over-taught, over-worshipped, over-fellowshipped, and under-exercised. We're spiritually obese and constipated. Ergology—the doctrine that's we're so afraid of—is God's solution to our malaise. Time to take your soul to the gym!__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

Adrenaline is not a shalomic hormone. Shalom can not exist in the midst of noise and confusion. What effects are we having on the shalom of others through our unconscious and non-deliberate choices of how, when, and where we use our smartphones? This episode is a mixture of humor and hard-hitting self-evaluation on whether we're agents of shalom or assassins.__________________________Photo by Aaron Burden on UnsplashOTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

The third and final episode in "Recovering Personhood in an Age of Machines." Social media's promise of notoriety on one hand, and the reality that the world's needs will always outstrip my resources, threaten to render us paralyzed in terms of being agents of shalomic restoration. In this episode, we'll uncover the secret of being a "binary believer"— someone who's  power comes from seeing herself as a "zero" and a "one"—when it comes to relationships.__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

God is centrifugal. That is, He moves out from Himself. He loves. He's merciful. He's generous. We share that image. But, in Adam, we also have a desire to "know" like God. Technology promises that we can "know" everything, anytime, anywhere. But, we are diminishing as people in the process. This second installment, "You Are Not a Gadget," explores the vast ideas of design, purpose, and the true meaning of "progress."__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

As our machines become more "human," in an odd twist, we are becoming more like our machines. Fran traces the meteoric rise of technology against the equally fast demise of our personhood. Citing secular experts, he builds a case for our need to reassess what we're becoming.__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

INTERVIEW: Fran interviews world-class shoulder surgeon, David Adkison who sees his patients as image bearers of God whose bodies can be restored to the way they're supposed to be, and sees himself as a restorer of shalom. __________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

What if hearing Jesus say, "Well done" when you meet him means you have to speak first. What would you say that would elicit that response from him? This episode explores the sense of mission that understanding our identity and our purpose produces. (Pt. 3 of 3)__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

We all need a story. And it's either going to be our own or someone else's. And who that someone else is really matters. (Part 2 of 3)__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions" - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth" - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)

Before getting on The Road to Shalom, we need to make sure we're at peace with our view of ourselves. This premier episode explores the vital arena of personal identity. (Pt 1 of 3).__________________________OTHER HANDS OF HUR RESOURCES"What's Wrong With the World?" - evangelism & discipleship video curriculum"Knot or Noose? - Recovering the Mystery of Marriage"  - small group video resource"The Darkside Challenge"  - social media and tech self-audit"Getting the Big Picture"  - Old Testament survey course"Yeshua in Four Dimensions"  - the four Gospels (survey course)"To The Ends of the Earth"  - New Testament survey course"The 15/30 Series" - studies for spiritual formation (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Paul)